Maine U.S. Sen.-elect Angus King will participate in a series of meetings to determine with which party he will caucus.

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) _ Independent Sen.-elect Angus King is traveling to Washington for the first time since his election for a series of meetings that'll help him decide which party he'll align himself with.

King, who traveled to Washington on Sunday, has vexed observers by refusing to say which party he'd align himself with in the U.S. Senate. He's said he could caucus with Democrats, or Republicans, or neither. Regardless, he said he'll vote his conscience, not party lines.

Democratic Sen. Harry Reid already reached out to King to congratulate him and to open the door to discussions about caucusing with his party.

King, who said he's keeping an open mind, said this week would be the earliest he'd announce his decision. He said it could take until after Thanksgiving.